What does the creation of the world seem like to little kids? The answer can be found, at least partially, in the abundant creativity displayed in “Seven Days of Creation,” the newest exhibit in the Goldstein Cultural Center of Temple Israel of New Rochelle featuring artwork by the pre-schoolers in the Early Childhood Program (ECP).
The exhibit, which will run through March, highlights a series of themes, each reflecting the events during one of the days of creation. Two classes in the ECP collaborated on each of the subjects creating, as ECP Director Nancy Bossov explains, a multi-age experience that not only provides the opportunity to explore and understand the Biblical concepts but also offers a broader artistic approach. A wide range of materials have been used to interpret the themes and the results, while age appropriate, are impressive in the imaginative design of each.
Teachers helped the children identify the concepts mindful of the ability of the children who range in age from two to five years old to relate to them. For example, Day One, in which “Let There Be Light” is proclaimed, “the concept of day and night, light and dark, opens up all kinds of possibilities for understanding relationships in nature,” noted Ms. Bossov. It inspired a series of dark and light paintings and collages in black and white. For the very little children, newspaper clusters form black and white “blossoms”
The separation of water and sky on Day Two is interpreted in paintings with cotton puff clouds, rainbows and finger paintings. Seashells and bottles of water on a sand floor represent the day in which sea creatures were formed. The creation of forests and gardens on Day Three is depicted in tableaus of green and/or multi-colored forests constructed with wooden clothes pins, beads and pegs. Large decorated cylinders hold oversized sunflowers made of flat sticks. Brown paper bags and papier mache’ potato heads suggest the emergence of fruits and vegetables.
Sun prints and constellations of stars affixed to paper skies denote Day Four. Mirrors made with a shiny metallic center on a decorated frame illustrate the creation of humans in God’s image. Sabbath tables decorated with pasted squares or made with ceramic tiles and paper hallah cover designs celebrate the Seventh Day of rest.
Embellished bracelets symbolize all the days of creation.
The exhibit is open for viewing week days from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays
from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Temple Israel of New Rochelle is located at 1000 Pinebrook Blvd.
For additional information contact the Temple office: 914-235-1800.